Flights to Budapest

Compare and book flights to Budapest with Airinme.com and discover this beautiful, historic city in Eastern Europe. 

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is divided into two halves – Buda and Pest – by the River Danube. In Buda, you'll find the historic attractions of Castle Hill, while Pest is home to the Hungarian Parliament and grand streets like Andrássy Avenue and Váci utca. See the best of both sides on a Danube river cruise, and discover the secret that is Hungarian food and wine before you go. 

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Things to do in Budapest 

1. Budapest is overflowing with great cultural attractions, many of which are concentrated around Castle Hill in Buda and across the water in Pest's District Six. If you're in Budapest for just a weekend, take a guided walking tour to make sure you don't miss anything.
2. Buda Castle, or the Royal Castle, is Budapest's most popular attraction. This sprawling palace complex dates back to the 13th century and incorporates a range of buildings, including the Hungarian National Gallery. It also hosts several food and wine festivals throughout the year.
3. The cityscape of Budapest is dominated by the River Danube, which separates the halves of Buda and Pest. Take a Danube river cruise to see this majestic city from its famous waterway.
4. Budapest is littered with bridges, but the Chain Bridge – the first permanent bridge to link Buda and Pest - remains its finest. Make the short walk across at sunset to see the city at its best.
5. On the Pest side of the river, you'll find the Hungarian Parliament Building, known as Országház in Hungarian. The city's tallest building and one of Hungary's largest, EU citizens pay a discounted admission fee for guided tours here.
6. Also in Pest, Andrássy út (or Andrássy Avenue) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city's most famous boulevard. At one end of the avenue, you'll find Heroes Square, an impressive square with important political resonance.
7. The Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest is renowned as one of the most beautiful in the world – check out its programme online.
8. Known to some as the "city of baths", Budapest is the ideal place to enjoy a relaxing spa break. Don't leave without taking a trip to one of its many thermal bathhouses, like the Széchenyi Baths, Gellert Baths and Császár Baths.
9. Looking for a summer musical festival with a difference? Every year, Budapest hosts the Sziget Festival. Founded in 1993, it's now one of Europe's biggest music events.
10. Stop in at a borozó, or wine bar, to sample the country's full-bodied red wines, delicate whites and the famous sweet Tokaji. 

Shopping in Budapest

Budapest might not be known as a shopping destination, but there's plenty to buy and browse in the Hungarian capital. 

Váci utca

Most of Budapest's shopping streets are on the Pest side of the city, and Váci utca is the most famous. This pedestrianised thoroughfare became stylish in the 18th century and today is home to major high street brands and (often expensive) souvenir shops. 

The Great Market Hall

This features on most tourists' itineraries and is especially popular with food-lovers. Known as Nagycsarnok in Hungarian, the Great Market Hall is located at the end of Váci utca and is the oldest and largest indoor market in the country. A great place to buy paprika and tokaji to take home. 

Eating in Budapest

Hungarian food is unfairly overlooked by the rest of the world. Visit Budapest and you'll discover a rich cuisine that's bursting with flavours, though vegetarians may find eating out difficult. 

What to expect from Hungarian food

Goulash (a meaty soup with potatoes and paprika) is Hungary's most famous dish but there's a lot more to sample in Budapest. Try Fisherman's Soup (a hot paprika soup with river fish) and stuffed cabbage, and finish with the classic dessert Dobos Torte, a five-layer sponge cake made with caramel and chocolate. 

Danube dinner cruises

Whether you're on a romantic break or a holiday with friends, an atmospheric Danube dinner cruise will be the highlight of your trip. These are popular so book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Insider's Tips

In the event of an emergency, call the Central Helpline on 112. You can also call 107 (police), 105 (fire service) or 104 (ambulance). 

Summer is the best time to visit Budapest, as it generally experiences very warm temperatures between May and September. Winter can be very cold and there is often heavy snowfall. 

Budapest's currency is the Hungarian Forint and not the Euro, as many travellers mistakenly believe. However, Hungary is a member of the EU so UK citizens do not need a visa to enter. 

If you'll be in Budapest for a few days, consider buying a Budapest Card, which offers free and discounted entrance to many city attractions. 

Getting there from Budapest Airport 

By taxi and minibus

Taxis from the airport terminal are run exclusively by Főtaxi. Főtaxi booths can be found at the exits at Terminals 2A and 2B, and reservations can be made here. 

The Airport Shuttle Minibus also runs 24 hours a day, and is a shared service for passengers travelling in the same direction. This may be the most cost-effective option for sole travellers. 

By train and bus

The nearest train station to Budapest Airport is Ferihegy Station. From here, you can take a train to Nyugati Railway Station, one of the city's main termini.

To get to the station, take the number 200E bus (which leaves terminal 2 between 4am and 11pm). The 200E runs to Kőbánya-Kispest metro terminal (via Ferihegy station) from where you can jump on the Metro to the city centre.